A Switch 2 OLED sounds nice, but the economics (and timeline) say otherwise

A rumour doing the rounds today suggests that Nintendo are exploring an OLED Switch 2 model. The news comes via a report from Lee Ki-Jong, writing at ZDNET Korea, who claims to have spoken with multiple ‘insiders’ on the matter.

The sources that spoke with Lee reportedly revealed that the display would come via Samsung, and would feature an upgraded 1920×1080 resolution. Product development could begin at the end of this year, with mass production expected either late 2027 or in early 2028.

Such production timelines would put any possible OLED revision or new model at some fair distance away.

Digital Foundry, who also covered the report, reasonably speculate that beyond the confirmed 1080p bump, a Switch 2 OLED would likely at least match the existing LCD model’s other specs: 7.9-inch, 120Hz, VRR, and HDR10.

Obviously a Switch 2 with an OLED panel is a welcome proposition, however the current component crisis puts something of a pause on this for me. A potential Samsung OLED display in a Switch 2 would represent quite an expensive component, that paired with the Switch 2 going up in price in just a couple of months, suggests a climate that doesn’t seem overly ideal for such a move from Nintendo anytime soon.

A Nintendo Switch 2 OLED would be a premium offering. Yes, Nintendo are likely in discussions with suppliers, but I can’t see them green-lighting this into reality in any particular rush — the playbook of the original Switch can’t be as easily repeated this time around.

Another wrinkle, as pointed out by Nintendo Patents Watch on Bluesky, is that this could well be just another bit of industry gossip designed to drum up stock prices.

This OLED rumour comes shortly after similar reporting on a would-be revised LCD screen for the Switch 2. The Switch 2 currently uses an LCD panel, believed to be from Innolux, whereas this potential new LCD panel appears to be from Sharp. Some have speculated that this new Sharp-made panel might be being introduced to address the ghosting issue with the original Switch 2 display.

Pinch of salt on this one.

Enjoyed this? Subscribe for more Nintendo news, delivered straight to your inbox.